Serpentine North Gallery, formerly known as Serpentine Sackler Gallery, is Serpentine’s second space in Kensington Gardens. A former gunpowder store transformed into one of London’s most elegant contemporary art spaces. Serpentine North Gallery is where architecture, park life and experimental art meet quietly inside Kensington Gardens.
At Serpentine North, expect temporary contemporary art exhibitions rather than a permanent collection. The program can move across installation, sculpture, performance, video, painting, sound, architecture and socially engaged art.
You may experience:
- Contemporary art exhibitions
- Site-responsive installations
- Experimental and research-led projects
- Architecture by Zaha Hadid Architects
- A calm park setting between Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens
- A visit that pairs naturally with Serpentine South and the summer Pavilion
Visit both Serpentine spaces in one walk. Start at Serpentine South, cross the bridge, then arrive at Serpentine North as a quieter, more architectural counterpoint. The park is part of the exhibition rhythm.
About
Serpentine North Gallery is one of the two Serpentine galleries in Kensington Gardens, alongside Serpentine South. The two spaces sit a short walk from each other on either side of the Serpentine Bridge, creating one of London’s most beautiful contemporary art routes through a royal park. Entry to the galleries is free, though booking is recommended.
The building has a fascinating history. Originally known as The Magazine, it was built in 1805 as a gunpowder store. It was later transformed into Serpentine’s second exhibition space by Zaha Hadid Architects, opening in 2013 with a striking contemporary extension.
Worth the trip
What makes Serpentine North Gallery special is the combination of scale, architecture and setting. It is intimate, free, beautifully placed, and connected to one of London’s most influential contemporary art programs.
For Artlovers, it is worth including because it shows another London: not only Tate, the National Gallery or the big museum circuit, but art as something you encounter through walking, weather, architecture, gardens and public space.
© Serpentine galleries
